Propeller Club London

1805 and all that!

Our next meeting on the 30th of October sees the return of Commander Ian Millen RN (Retd) who entertained us and inspired us in equal proportions on the 20th anniversary of the Falklands war with his moving account of his experiences of the battle and subsequent reflections on the lessons and consequences of this campaign.

On the 30th Ian will make no claims of first-hand battle experience but he will provide fact and anecdotal stories of the Battle of Trafalgar in his own unique style. While this is a great event that we have all grown up with, Ian's naval insight and humorous delivery will undoubtedly provide for an enjoyable and entertaining address. Make sure that you book early to reserve your place at the table for what promises to be a most unusual and entertaining lunch - you have been warned!

'The Propeller Club expects every member to do their duty!

Parry and Thust

A lively debate followed our most recent lunch presentation by Philip Parry, the Chairman and cofounder of Spinnaker Recruiting who provided a fascinating overview of the current manpower situation in the marine industry. We've all heard about the skill shortages and lack of investment in training but Phil provided a concise picture of the costs and consequence of the industry's failure to invest in people. Rising salaries, desperate shortages and companies keen to be seen as responsible employers (particularly vessel operators) made many of us wish we could return to sea. However, the ensuing discussion clearly left us in no doubt that the changing standards and technological advances have moved the industry on beyond such fantasies. Phil also shared with us his personal experiences of helping his little boy conquer cancer and associated health problems and suggested that we keep in mind the Anthony Nolan Trust - those seeking further information should visit http://www.anthonynolan.org.uk/

September meeting-Phil Parry on the Facts and Fictions of Maritime Manpower

On the 17th of September Philip Parry the co-founder and chairman of Spinnaker Consulting Ltd. the marine industry's premier recruitment company will be sharing with us his rare insight into the realities of the people side of the maritime arena. We are all aware of the unique skills, experience requirements and working conditions that prevail in our industry but how is it today and into the future? Seafarers and those that operate and support the industry from ashore are a special breed! But an endangered species? Is there a skills shortage? Where will tomorrow's people come from? Many of us consider the human resource element of the marine industry to be the most critical. Come along and get answers to your questions and share your concerns and opinions with an expert.

With his extensive background in maritime affairs Philip Parry is sure to inform and entertain at our Wednesday luncheon. I know that you all had Philip's biography directly from David but if you'd like to explore further go to WWW.SHIPPINGJOBS.COM to gain an appreciation of the breadth and depth of Spinnaker's involvement.

Event details:

Date:         17th September 2008
Time:        12:30 for 13:00
Venue:      The Naval Club, 38 Hill Street, London W1J 5NS (Map)
Cost:          £42.00 per person (includes lunch with wine)

Booking:   Reserve your place by email (secretary@propellerclublondon.org.uk)
                 stating the names of attendees and any special dietary requirements

                 Bookings close 24 hours prior to the event

Payment:  Payment by cash or cheque at the event

To make sure that you and your guest(s) don't miss this interesting and convivial event book your place NOW by either clicking the email link to David or by sending in your cheque for £42.00 per person

Ian Adams energizes the Propeller Club

IBIA Secretary General and Propeller Club member Ian Adams provided a well attended luncheon on the 29th of May with a hot topic. His presentation on the latest happenings in the bunker industry embraced a panoply of crisis issues such as emissions legislation, fuel quality, price and availability and the consequences for the maritime industry. IBIA finds itself at the crossroads of many global issues and is challenged to address these on behalf of the maritime industry. A good measure of the effectiveness of a presentation is the activity level of the following Q&A session. In Ian's case the animation extended beyond its allotted time and into the bar below. Prognostications regarding climate change and technical terms surrounding fuel oil were effectively blended with social lubricants of a more traditional kind. It was clear that Ian fuelled the debate and we look forward to an update on these issues at an appropriate time.

Tie yourself to our new livery

After considerable foraging by your diligent secretary we are able to offer you a new stylish Propeller Club tie.

For those bent on pursuing sartorial elegance or chasing the latest fads and fancies of fickle fashion this is an essential accessory. For the rest of us who just need to look semi-respectable, almost contemporary and informally formal – this will surely help!

Having ignored the 63 suggestions for uses to put the existing polyester club tie to, David decided to search for a new design. As with all such missions, after you have searched far and wide, the answer appears on your doorstep - in this case via our new member Urs Halter recently arrived from Switzerland. Urs joins us from the Propeller Club of Basel and was proud to show off his stylish cravat (that's French for tie). Impressed with this quality, silk appendage you're secretary quickly moved to acquire a supply and we are pleased to be able to offer it to you for £22 direct from David at a club meeting or £25 via mail (Post and packing incl.)

There's just one drawback! On the tail of the tie when no one can see are the words "Port of Basel". You never know when those words may come in handy!